Andropause:
It is also known as male menopause. It is a condition characterized by a drop in the testosterone levels. As against the case of women, andropause occurs gradually. There is either a reduction in the production of testosterone or a lack of sustainability of the body to higher testosterone. This is a natural aspect of aging. Testosterone is responsible for spermatogenesis, and secondary sexual characteristics. As men age, the levels of testosterone drop and they start to experience psychological and physical effects of the drop of testosterone. Men in the age of 50s might start to experience the symptoms of andropause due to low testosterone. Low levels of testosterone in such men might also be due to lower levels of another hormone called SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin). Typical symptoms of andropause include low sexual drive, weight gain, fatigue, prostate enlargement, loss of muscle mass, loss of bone density, and hair loss. Diagnosis is generally done by doing blood tests to ascertain testosterone levels, and treatment includes skin patches (patches containing testosterone), testosterone gel, testosterone capsules, and testosterone injections. However, these treatments are not advised for patients with a history of heart, liver, or kidney diseases.
